Do I Have to Pay Emergency Medical Bills From When I Fell Off of My Bicycle
My question involves an injury that occurred in the state of: California
Recently I fell off my bicycle and was unconscious for 2 minutes. Someone called 911, and the fire department and an ambulance came. I was not injured in any way other than minor bruises, and was not in pain. I requested not to use the ambulance because I did not feel it was necessary. However, the medics from the fire department pressured me to go to the hospital and called a doctor, who finally convinced me to go to the hospital, saying that this was a very serious accident and I should be tested immediately. I received bills from the fire department, the ambulance and the emergency room of $4,000 in total. None of this is covered by insurance.
I received a $400 bill from the fire departments because the medics came, took my blood pressure, and put me in an ambulance. However, I did not make the call to request their service.
I later found out that a "patient report" had been signed in my name, stating that I accepted responsibility for payment for the ambulance, and that I was incapacitated and could not sign this form myself. I was not given a copy of this form and it was never shown to me. This signature was fraudulently signed on my behalf, because I was not incapacitated. I received a $2,400 charge for the ambulance. I also signed a form at the emergency room, stating that I was being released without treatment and understood and accepted the risks. However I was charge $1,300 for the emergency room.
I am planning on contesting the ambulance and emergency room bills, based on the fraudulent signature signed on the ambulance report, the fact that I did not want to use the ambulance but was pressured by the medics even though there was no indication of serious injury, and my signature on the emergency department report stating that I understood the risks of not receiving further treatment.
Is there an argument for me to contest the fire department bill? I am also interested in advice regarding the other bills, but I believe I have a stronger case for contesting those bills than the fire department bill.
Thank you.
Re: $4000 Charge for Medical Expenses After Falling Off My Bicycle - Can I Contest
Quote:
However, the medics from the fire department pressured me to go to the hospital and called a doctor, who finally convinced me to go to the hospital,
so you agreed to being treated and transported and checking into the hospital. At what point did you change your mind and decide you were not going to be treated?
Re: $4000 Charge for Medical Expenses After Falling Off My Bicycle - Can I Contest
I don't think you have a case at all.
Somebody did the right thing - that is, calling professionals after you were unconscious. It's also not unreasonable to take you in after a suspected head injury.
You were unconscious after a fall. It was absolutely possible that you suffered a grave injury. That's why you needed to be checked out. You are not a physician (obviously), so you likely don't know what may or may not happen. A closed head injury can be fatal even if the patient has a lucid interval and behaves normally.
Perhaps you should be just a little grateful for the people who actually did what's in your best interest.
If they hadn't have turned up and you did actually suffer a severe insult to the brain, you or your representative would be here trying to sue the providers for NOT treating you.